This deservedly popular and almost level walk follows the Caledonian Canal towpath from Inverness to the locks at Dochgarroch, returning on the far bank; there is usually plenty of activity on the water. There's a cafe if needed at the half way point.
Canal towpaths.
Buses and trains to Inverness.
Whin Park, Inverness.
The walk begins from the car park at Whin Park beside the River Ness at the west end of Inverness, near the Leisure Centre. This point can alternatively be reached by walking from the city centre, following the path across the lovely Ness Islands. Begin the walk by heading into the park, keeping to the left of the pond to soon reach the banks of the Ness. Turn right along the riverside path; just beyond the park follow the main path as it swings right away from the river to ascend steps and cross a footbridge over a burn. Turn left when a cyclepath is reached. Pass the hydro building and under a flyover, keeping straight ahead onto a smaller path when the cyclepath swings right. Soon the path goes up some wooden steps to join the towpath of the Caledonian Canal; turn left along this. The towpath runs between the canal on the right, and the river at a lower level on the left.
There are usually plenty of canal boats and holiday cruisers all along the wide canal. This section is most attractive, with the views down to the River Ness complementing the canal and the landscape enhanced by some small wooded hills. No directions are needed; simply continue along the towpath.
After almost five kilometres of canal the locks at Dochgarroch are reached. The lochs on the Caledonian Canal, which was built by Thomas Telford, are very wide, built to accommodate steam ships. The route never did gain its intended traffic as by the time of completion the coming of the railways were beginning to render canals redundant, but the canal is a huge benefit to Highlands tourism today. The canal follows an obvious natural fault across the Highlands, and has felt several earth tremors. The worst of these minor quakes was in 1901 and was centred on Dochgarroch; it left a half-inch wide crack running along the towpath for a distance of six hundred metres. Cross over at the locks. There's a cafe just to the left on the far side - otherwise turn right to begin the walk back down the far bank.
The path on the north side passes several buildings. At one point the main track goes up left away from the canal; don't take this but instead stay along the canal-side. Further on the path passes some houses and the end of a minor road, before finally reaching the first of two bridges on the edge of Inverness. Turn right to cross the bridge, then turn right again on the towpath on the far side very briefly, then taking a left away from the canal. Pass through the tunnel under the road on your right, then turn left on the far side. Emerging with a car park ahead, turn right to pass along the near edge of the car park. Follow a tarred lane, soon switching to a path that runs along the left side of a stone wall. This soon leads back to the entrance to Whin Park.
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